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  • Title: Tocilizumab in refractory Takayasu arteritis: a case series and updated literature review.
    Author: Abisror N, Mekinian A, Lavigne C, Vandenhende MA, Soussan M, Fain O, Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation, and SNFMI.
    Journal: Autoimmun Rev; 2013 Oct; 12(12):1143-9. PubMed ID: 23820042.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy and tolerance of tocilizumab in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA). METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with TA (ACR and/or Ishikawa's criteria): 5 French multicenter cases and 39 from the literature. Clinical, biological, radiological disease activity and treatment were analyzed before tocilizumab, during the follow-up and at the last available visit. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (median age 26years [3-65];) were included in the present study: 5 patients from the 3 French university hospitals and 39 cases from the literature review. Median follow-up after initiation of tocilizumab was 15months [8-33]. Clinical and biological activities significantly decreased within 3months, similarly to steroid amount (from 15mg/day [5-75] at baseline to 10mg/day [2-30] at 6months; p<0.05) and steroid-dependence rate. Even radiological activity did not significantly decrease at 6months, significant decrease of arterial FDG uptake was noted at 6months. Median duration of tocilizumab treatment was 9months [3-180]. At the last visit, tocilizumab was continued in 17/32 patients (53%), and was discontinued in the 15 remaining cases because of the remission (n=5), relapse (n=3), persistent radiological activity (n=3), cutaneous rash (n=2), severe infection (n=1) and lacking of care welfare system (n=1). No death related to tocilizumab treatment was noted. CONCLUSION: This study show the efficacy of tocilizumab in terms of clinical, biological and radiological response, as well as steroid-sparing agent. Only well-designed studies could definitely address the efficacy of tocilizumab in TA.
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